In recent days, construction workers have been leveling a Hixson Pike landmark that was part of Abba’s House.
According to Abba’s House global marketing director Julie Harding, the sanctuary being razed was built in 1960.
"The basement of that building was used as the first sanctuary in 1955,” she said, adding that previously the church met in a house on the same property. "During those days of meeting in the basement, the church was dubbed 'the tarpaper church' by many in the community. In 1960, a 500-seat sanctuary was built, and in 1962, a two-story educational building was added.”
She said that in 1971, a third floor was added to the educational building and an open balcony was added to the sanctuary.
"Those are the buildings which are being torn down,” she continued.
"In 1977, the church moved into a 1,700 seat auditorium, located to the left of the current demolition. That space is now a multi-use facility that houses the Student Ministry, smaller worship gatherings, and hosts community events, such as the Memorial Hospital Volunteers Banquet.”
She added that the area being cleared currently will become green space and offer some additional senior adult parking.
At the time the cleared site was constructed, the church was known as Central Baptist Church of Hixson.
Dr. Ron Phillips arrived in 1979, and the church has since grown into one of the largest houses of worship in the area. In recent decades, the church has greatly expanded its property, including purchasing the old Hixson Tire Store and Brunswick Bowling Lanes in the 1980s.
It built its new large auditorium/worship facility in 2005, at which time the church became known as Abba’s House.